22 reviews of this school

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Silver Spring International Middle School4

Posted February 10, 2013
- a community member

I am currently a seventh grader at SSIMS and I think that it's pretty good. They have a wide range of electives and classes and you can get credits for high school when you take algebra or if you're in immersion. Plus it's an international baccalaureate school which makes the teaching/learning style different. I think that 7th grade is probably the hardest grade and personally I don't really like the ib program but it is good. Some people might call it "ghetto" but there are different groups of people like in every school. It is pretty diverse and the only real complaint I have is the administration, they are constantly stressing to us that we shouldn't push in the halls and stuff like that but to some of us who aren't doing it it's unfair. The principal is talking to us like it's ALL of us who are doing it. I don't expect to be praised for doing the right thing but he could realize that's its not all of us. So far I have liked most of my teachers and the English teachers are great! I would definitely recommend it and people who call it "ghetto" haven't experienced it's greatness and variety!

This is our 6th year with a child at Silver Spring International. Our children's have benefited from the dedicated teachers and an administration that works to increase student achievement as well as connectedness for all students.

Our experience with SSI has been terrific. Many elective offerings and unique clubs give every single child enriching learning opportunities. The student body is remarkably diverse. The principal is involved at every level and dynamic. The teaching staff is amazing -- dedicated, creative, and clued into adolescence. The facility could be better, but the school has such heart, that it's not a serious downside.

I have two boys that attend SSIMS in grades 7 and 9. SSIMS is a good school with a great academic program and caring teachers. With a strong PTSA and new principal, the school is on its way back to a stronger acadamic standing. There are advanced classes as well as extra help provided if students need it. The teachers are genuinely interested in the kids and take the time out to respond to e-mails and phone calls. I would recommend this school to any parent.

So much is promised every year and every year the administration fails to deliver. This is still a school in transition; unfortunately, no progress is being made. Don't be fooled by the reputation of Montgomery County schools. The district is divided into a 'red zone--schools in crisis' and a 'green zone--successful schools'. Unfortunately, SSI is in the middle of the 'red'. When calling about schools in this area ask about the 'red' and 'green' zones as these terms were created by the district administration. Most distrubing is the lack of safety in the school. Having procedures for a lock-down, code red, does not make it safe.